“Coming to the Table” (1 Corinthians 11:17–34)
When the early church gathered for the Lord’s Supper, it wasn’t just about bread and wine. It was a sacred moment of remembering Christ’s sacrifice and expressing unity in Him. But in Corinth, things had gone terribly wrong.
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11 are corrective, not only for the Corinthians, but for us too. Many today resist correction—especially from Scripture. Yet spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to God’s loving discipline. Do we humbly receive it, or bristle at the challenge?
Paul confronts three major issues in Corinth’s communion practice: division, selfishness, and irreverence.
First, there were divisions and factions among them. What was meant to be a celebration of unity had become a showcase for pride and self-interest. When churches fracture into camps, it signals spiritual immaturity—and contradicts the very nature of the gospel. Jesus gave us an example of humble servanthood (John 13), calling us to live in lowliness and love, considering others above ourselves (Philippians 2).
Second, Paul rebukes their selfishness. The wealthier believers were indulging in food and drink, while the poor went hungry. The love feast had turned into a feast of gluttony and exclusion. Paul’s words are stark: “Do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing?” (v.22). In a culture where meals symbolised intimacy and unity, their behaviour was a betrayal of the gospel’s leveling power—where all are one in Christ.
Third, Paul addresses their irreverence. They were treating the Lord’s Table like any other meal—some even arriving drunk. Communion had lost its meaning. They were partaking “in an unworthy manner,” not because they were unworthy people (none of us is worthy), but because their hearts and conduct dishonoured Christ. Paul warns: take this lightly, and there are real consequences—some were even falling ill and dying (v.30).
So how should we approach the Table?
Paul tells us to look back—to remember Christ’s body broken and blood shed for us. We look in—examining our hearts: turning from sin, renewing faith in Christ, and seeking reconciliation with others. We look around—recognising our unity with the body of Christ. We look forward—awaiting the day when we will eat and drink with Jesus in the fullness of his kingdom. We look up—trusting that Jesus is spiritually present with us by his Spirit.
Communion isn’t an empty ritual, nor a monthly habit. It’s the gospel made visible. It reminds us who Jesus is, what He has done, and why He had to die.
Let’s not lose the wonder. When we come to the Table, may we come humbly, united, and full of gratitude—for the Saviour who gave Himself for us.